Class Descriptions

Vinyasa Flow Classes @ Dragonfly are all about transition. The word Vinyasa means to place mindfully, and what this really means is that transition is everything. In order for the transition to be meaningful it must happen in coordination with breath, as the body is the vehicle for PRANA, or life force, to stir, clear blockages, and promote wellness on all levels. Katie’s Vinyasa classes incorporate another important philosophical facet: the creation of (Brahma), preservation of (Vishnu), and destruction of (Shiva) each asana, which asks us to be present with our bodies and minds at each stage of the pose. Creation and destruction are the movers and shakers–the Vinyasa! Preservation is the holding of a pose and what it means to stay with our bodies, offering a place for what comes up and developing the strength to be with it. It is this somatic mindfulness on the mat that teaches us how to practice yoga off the mat and in our lives.

Active Flow is a vinyasa class designed for yogis who enjoy a stronger practice and a combination of flowing sequences that marry movement and breath. Vinyasa’s strength is in its diversity, as every class and the sequences taught are different each time we meet and often relate to the energy of the group. You can always expect warming stretches, sun salutations, balance poses, inversions and standing sequences in this class. Be prepared to breathe, move, sweat, and to challenge your body and your mind! All classes end with a savasana, or relaxation time.

Slow Flow & Super Slow Flow include some Sun Salutations, but these classes less vigorous and more about creating a strong foundation in the practice and cultivating prana via breathing practice. In this class we spend more time breaking down postures, learning proper alignment, and developing strength and stamina–but all at a pace that suits most people, whether they are beginners or long-time practitioners. Slow does not mean “easy,” as we certainly do challenging poses and sun salutations in every class; but it does give participants a little more freedom to slow down, rest when appropriate, instruction on how to modify poses, and to practice in a way that honors the body. Super slow is great for beginners, and “Slow” is great for strong beginners and intermediate students, for those who want to work on developing flexibility, balance, strength, and awareness, and for those who enjoy a flow class, but prefer a slower pace for movement and breathing.

Yin Yoga: Katie has been teaching Yin since 2008 and was the first studio in the state of NH to offer this wonderful practice. Yin is the counterpart of Yang in the Taoist symbol for harmony. In this class we work to “unplug” from the striving world of phones, radio, driving, talking, texting, and exerting our vital energy in myriad ways; and instead we “plug IN” to the Self and the wellbeing of our physical, mental, and spiritual bodies. Many Yin classes focus just on the deep stretch aspects of the practice, but at Dragonfly, Katie brings to the practice a growing awareness of Chinese Element Theory, the Meridian system, the organs and glands of the body, and how Chi energy moves as we surrender to breath, gravity, and time in each of the poses we practice. If you feel rushed, out of balance, have too much on your plate, or simply need to stretch tight muscles, treat yourself with compassion, and slow down with Yin. READ MORE in this article in the Examiner by Karolyn Kinane about Releasing into Yin Yoga~The Examiner

Restorative Yoga: Restorative yoga is great for every body, offering a respite from the stress of daily life and work, and calming the sympathetic nervous system so the parasympathetic nervous system can take over, allowing the body to relax and heal. It is especially helpful for those recovering from illness or trauma, as well as for women in pre or post natal care whose bodies are lovingly supported with restorative postures. For those who find slowing down difficult, this practice is essential, complementing an active person’s workout practice, and simply allowing for a restored sense of Self. Honor your body and quietly rejuvenate your spirit while the poses soothe the organ system and allow the brain to quiet. Using bolsters, pillows, blankets, and other props to support the body in a variety of passive poses, students remain in a given posture for 10-15 minutes, focusing only on the breath as they are eased into a state of relaxation. Peaceful music, poetry, and guided imagery help participants to release stress, tension, and “let go” of what does not serve the body and mind. This is the dessert class! Katie was first introduced to Restorative Yoga at a workshop with Judith Lasater in 2000, studied Restorative and Yoga Therapy with Cora Wen in 2010, and was certified in Restorative Yoga by Kripalu and Sudha Lundeen in 2011.

Photo Credit: Leslie Jose

Restorative Yoga & Reiki: The perfect pair! Take everything in the description above, and add Reiki… you’ll never want to leave the studio! Katie offers instruction in restorative yoga while Leslie Jose, ARMT, LMT, along with Katie (Reiki II) offers Reiki healing to everyone who wants to receive it. Students are visited during each pose to aid in the movement of blocked energy and the intention to heal dis-ease in the body. Inspiring readings, intention setting, relaxing music, and candlelight create a profoundly beautiful opportunity to practice a very healing kind of yoga.

Yoga Nidra~The Art of Conscious Relaxation: An ancient and powerful healing modality found in the oldest philosophical yoga texts, and that offers the participant a deep state of conscious rest and relaxation during which one’s awareness of the subtle energy body is expanded. While reclining comfortably, participants are guided through each of the koshers (five layers of your being), all while remaining perfectly still. The goal is to remain “awake and aware,” even though the physical body is enjoying profound rest. Yoga Nidra is proven to: *balance the autonomic nervous system *create calm in the body and mind *strengthen the immune system *lower blood pressure *relax the busy mind *incite our natural ability to heal ourselves *increase one’s creativity *increase the flow of prana in the body *relieve pain, and more! Conditions addressed by Yoga Nidra practice: PTSD, ADD, ADHD, insomnia, MS, chronic pain, anxiety and depression, cancer, eating disorders, digestive conditions, addiction, aggression, stress, asthma, and the list goes on! Katie is certified in this method by the California College of Ayurveda.

YinYasa™: This is a style Katie coined, incorporating a few long-held deep-stretch “Yin” poses during class to balance the strong “Yang” energy of a typical Vinyasa class. Most people won’t notice much of a difference between a “Vin” and “Yin”yasa class, but your body and mind will recognize the balancing effect of the poses that allow for deep tissue release or mind softening as you turn inward and just breathe…

Core Vinyasaclass incorporates all of the elements of a Vinyasa class with a strong emphasis on core strength and stability, so expect to practice abdominal, back, and deep core line exercises as warm ups and within sequences. All are welcome, but class is tailored for those with a strong asana practice. Katie is certified in this style by Sadie Nardini.

Partner Yoga: A playful practice for friends and lovers who enjoy supporting each other in stretches, balances, and inversions. Expect an eclectic mix of hip openers, twists, supportive balances, and spontaneous fun! All levels welcome!

Meditation: This is an unguided time for sitting and breathing. Free to all attending class. Suggested $5 donation for those who would like to drop in to meditation time but not stay for asana class.

Kids Yoga: A playful practice for younger yogis and yoginis who enjoy stretching, balancing, chanting, yoga games, and more! 4 week sessions at local elementary schools or for private groups available. Call for private kids classes–great for a birthday party, family activity, or a rainy day!